Traverse Theatre announces 2023 Edinburgh festivals programme

The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh has announced its festivals line-up for 2023, which marks the venue’s 60th anniversary.

The programme features the world premiere of The Grand Old Opera House Hotel, written by Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)‘s Isobel McArthur. The ensemble comedy explores how art can bring people together in the most hopeless of circumstances. It is directed by Traverse artistic director Gareth Nicholls, with composition and musical supervision by Michael John McCarthy.

The critically acclaimed hit show Sean and Daro Flake It ‘Til They Make It by Laurie Motherwell will be back, offering a generous helping of Scottish humour. Meanwhile, the Traverse will present the return of the WhatsOnStage Award-nominated Bloody Elle from Lauryn Redding, and Things Hidden Since The Foundation Of The World from The Javaad Alipoor Company and HOME, Manchester. Another returning favourite is the award-winning Nassim from Nassim Soleimanpour.

After The Act from Breach Theatre, co-produced by New Diorama in association with Traverse Theatre, will also have its first outing in Scotland after a recent box office-breaking run in London.

In addition, Traverse 2 will present the Scottish premieres of Culture Ireland-supported work Fishamble’s Heaven, penned by Eugene O’Brien, and Lie Low from Ciara Elizabeth Smyth and Prime Cut Productions, featuring songs by The View’s Kyle Falconer.

Also from Scotland, No Love Songs directed by Dundee Rep artistic director Andrew Panton, from Dundee Rep in association with Traverse Theatre Company, will feature.

The Edinburgh International Festival is also part of the programme, with the National Theatre of Scotland production Thrown by Nat McCleary, directed by Jonny McKnight.

Cora Bissett’s What Girls Are Made Of, co-produced by Raw Material, will play at the Assembly Rooms for the full festival. More productions and events will be announced in the coming weeks, including full details of the Traverse 3 online program.

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